Under The Radar 2027 Defenders On The Rise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These sleeper junior defenders had strong 2025 seasons...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2045961"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6914f240efcb2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An active middle linebacker with strong instincts and the ability to take on blocks in the trenches. He plays fast, he's a strong tackler, and brings an intimidating presence to the Swainsboro defense. He's tackled everything in sight this season as a junior and is one of the top 2027 linebackers in the area. The small-town defender made 86 tackles and four TFLs during the regular season for an average of 9.6 tackles per game. He's disruptive, consistent, and flashed D1-talent and potential throughout the season. He's a defender on the rise in the 2027 class who could see some strong college interest and possible offers come his way this off-season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1891879"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6914f240efd21"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A quick-reacting linebacker from Canton having a really strong junior season, Barnett is a max-effort defender who plays fast and has no problem chasing down the ball-carrier. He shows strong instincts against the run and consistently puts himself in a position to be around the play. He's a natural tackler who made 84 stops this season defensively. He was one of the leading tacklers in the region and has a chance to really shine next year as a senior. He made 12+ tackles in four games this year and should see a bump in his next Prep Redzone ranking this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2047497"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6914f240efd7a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A tackling machine in the secondary for the mighty Coffee Trojans, Wooten is a playmaking defender who brings a level of toughness and physicality against the run. He's a dependable run defender with a promising 6-foot-0 185-pound frame who lit up the stat sheet this fall as a junior. The small-town athlete made an impressive 95 tackles, seven TFLs and one INT in coverage during the regular season along with three forced fumbles. He plays hard, wraps up properly, and knows how to make a play on the ball. He flashed Power 4 potential this fall and could see some possible offers come his way in the off-season. Wooten should also see a new Prep Redzone ranking come his way in the next update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1226227"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6914f240efdda"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A promising cornerback in the Atlanta having a really impressive junior season, Estrada is a natural in coverage who shows dependable hands and the ability to deliver a sound hit on the ball-carrier. He reacts quickly against the run and knows how to close quickly in coverage. He shows good awareness, playmaking ability, and enough talent to garner some Power Four interest and possible offers. He's a new cornerback prospect to keep a close eye on who had 39 tackles during the regular season with three INTs to go along with one forced fumble and another fumble recovery. Look for Estrada to have an even bigger senior season in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2047516"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6915e430cb92e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A small-town linebacker who plays hard and consistently finds his way to the ball-carrier, Cavender is a fast-reacting defender who has tackled everything in sight last year. He may not be the biggest or fastest defender in the 2027 class, but he's a max-effort player who made 91 tackles, 10 TFLs, three sacks, and one fumble recovery. He made at least seven tackles in every game through the regular season and made at least nine tackles in five games. He's one of the more productive linebackers in the region who has no problems finding a way to make a big tackle in the backfield. Look for him to be one of the top returning defenders in the area next fall as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->